At what age do we start planning for old age and 5 ways to do it

Aging is a time of transition. It happens naturally, but aging well takes careful planning. For many thousands of years, mankind has wondered when old age began. Beginning at the turn of the 20th century, life spans in India started steadily rising, from 32 years to 66.2 years. This is majorly due to availability of a vast array of drugs in the market.

Older adults face many decisions in the last decades of their life. Taking some time to look at the issues ahead and plan accordingly can make the future easier and more enjoyable. The earlier one starts planning, the more prepared they will be to respond to changes that may occur in the process of ageing such as changes in health, mobility or social connections. Healthy ageing should include thinking ahead to the financial, medical, and family issues that one could face in old age. When planning, one should also consider the unexpected. This includes planning for what one would do if had a sudden onset of a chronic illness, developed a disability or had a change in resources.

To successfully plan, one has to start thinking about how one wants to live while ageing and what steps one need to take to achieve that lifestyle.

1) Healthy lifestyle: Being active, following a nutritious diet and exercising regularly can reduce the risk of health problems and increase your energy levels. Eating well gives your body the nutrients and vitamins it needs to ward off illness and keep you healthy. Good nutrition also helps to improve mental and physical well-being. Regular exercising will keep you agile and strong, helping to prevent broken bones and problems with arthritis later in life. It will also reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

2) Regular Checkups and Screenings: Elderly should follow up with their doctors and get regular check up and tests which are recommended to them (mammograms beginning at age 40, colonoscopies beginning at age 50, etc). The earlier problems are caught, the easier they are to treat and the less likely they are to become chronic issues that keep you down in retirement.

3) Financial Planning: Understanding and planning for future expenses (unexpected medical cost apart from normal expenses) and staying informed about available income sources will help them maintain their desired standard of living. Income sources may include personal retirement savings and investments, private and public pension plans and other financial assistance.

4) Retaining Independence: A key step in planning for independence is assessing one’s home to determine if it can meet the changing needs while ageing. Elderly prefer to live their own homes for years with some modifications to their daily routines. If they decide that they can no longer live safely and independently in their home, they can explore the options available in their community. Planning for independence also includes thinking about what to do when elderly is ready to retire from driving. Many people outlive the ability to drive safely due to medical conditions that are more common in old age. It is important to consider how they will get around if they are no longer able to drive.

5) Social support: Part of aging well is having well-developed relationships. It is important for the elderly to have friends and social contact as isolation isn’t healthy. They can join some groups that share common interests or beliefs and can find some new friends. Volunteering work too can be a great way to meet new people. Social connections with community members of all ages can support physical, mental and emotional health and well being.

We urge people to plan ahead of their post retirement. Making choices now will give them greater control over their independence, quality of life and dignity.

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